The City of Sault Ste. Marie has completed its Transit Optimization Study and is ready to begin the process of implementing its findings. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the services provided by Sault Ste. Marie Transit and identify opportunities to optimize service, improve service quality and better meet the needs of the community.

"We are pleased with the outcome of the study and happy to provide an enhanced user experience," says Sam Piraino, Manager of Transit Services and Parking. "The objectives of the study were to take a closer look at alternatives that can reduce average travel time and improve transit coverage to serve more residents. It was also important for us to look at reinstating Sunday service and other measures to increase transit ridership, while remaining within the existing 80,000 service hours. We heard the needs of our riders and are looking forward to implementing their feedback."

As an integral part of the study, Sault Ste. Marie Transit hosted a series of open houses and focus groups to engage the public. The feedback received was combined with a detailed analysis of the transit system performance and long term projections. The study analyzed Sault Ste. Marie Transit routes, service levels and service models, including community bus service. It also gauged input from transit passengers, staff, stakeholders and the community regarding the City's public transit needs and priorities.

After an in-depth consultation process the following are highlights of the changes:

The return of late evening Sunday service

The addition of the Great Northern bus to connect the Great Northern Road area to the downtown business core

East-West connectors and route enhancements to reduce travel time and the need for riders to travel to the downtown terminal

Beginning June 3, 2018, Transit Services will implement its new local transit routes and test its summer schedules. The new routes and schedules are based on the recommendations from the Transit Consulting Network and the public's input. Riders are advised to pay attention to signage on new routes and be aware that some bus stops and shelters will be decommissioned or covered until removal in order to reflect the new routes. Transit Services will continue to evaluate and monitor schedules following implementation and may make adjustments as needed. During this transition, the Transit Trip Planner will not be available rather, riders are asked to view new route maps and transit schedules, at saultstemarie.ca/transit.

If you have any questions or would like more information please contact Sault Transit at 705-759-5438 or email transit@cityssm.on.ca.